Community Work with Children Near Mt. Kenya

  Kenya

• Other Cities in Kenya: 
Rural

Durations of Program: 1-2 weeks, 2-4 weeks, 5-8 weeks and 9-12 weeks
Typical Duration of Program: 2-4 weeks
Dates: multiple dates

Description: Be part of it with i-to-i!
Our goal is to achieve 400yrs of combined volunteering all over the world by the end of 2008.

So far we have achieved 325yrs which when broken down means we achieved the following:

- Over 5500 children cared for on our community projects around the world
- A minimum of 13,000 children and adults taught English in schools and community centres
- Hundreds of animals protected including Turtles, Pandas, Elephants, Monkeys and more
- At least 80 homes and structures built for families and communities in need
- More than 8000 trees planted which are enough trees to offset the CO2 emissions of over 2,000 cars

Want to work with the friendliest children in the world?

It says something about the quality of the wildlife that the people of Kenya are regarded as only the second best reason to visit the country. A friendlier bunch you couldn't wish to meet, but then they've had a lot of practice in the art of the warm welcome, given the numbers of visitors they get. They save a special welcome and a cup of local tea for those coming to volunteer though. This is a valuable project whose aim is to deal with the spiraling problems caused by the AIDS epidemic. Many children have lost parents to the disease and now face a life on the streets without any support network. Volunteers will provide companionship to the children as well as using our free TEFL certification to teach them vital English language skills.

Find out more about i-to-i, watch their short video here: http://video.i-to-i.com/site-videos/video.html

Highlights: Fancy living in a rare wild African location while befriending local children? If you're a natural with the outdoors and children, here's an authentic adventure for you! Working on one of a number of projects in and around the quaint market town of Nanyuki, you'll be at the heart of the solution in alleviating the effects of poverty through rehabilitating and educating local youngsters.

Staying in a world-class location on the edge of the massive Laikipia plateau, which is one of Africa's most important wildlife conservation sites, you'll bond with the children through a variety of activities from feeding, counseling, and teaching English, to rolling your sleeves up teaching fun practical skills. Not only that, but on your doorstep are the amazing treks of Mt. Kenya waiting to be explored!

Sitting on the edge of the massive Laikipia plateau, one of Africa's most important wildlife conservation sites, Nanyuki town is a popular starting point for Mt. Kenya treks. Communities here are encouraged to share their space with local fauna, allowing wildlife to flourish while at the same time decreasing potential human-animal conflict. It is the only part of Kenya where wildlife numbers have increased in the past 20 years.

Nanyuki has relatively good transport and is well linked to the rest of the country. Facilities are good with several banks, internet cafes, tour operators, and small hotels. You will be working in and around Nanyuki town to alleviate the effects of poverty through rehabilitation and education.

Qualifications: Volunteers must have, above all, a love of children and commitment to the projects. You will need to be flexible and have initiative and enthusiasm to face the many hurdles and challenges that you will inevitably encounter within your role. It is important to remember that many of the children attending these projects come from very difficult backgrounds and volunteers will therefore need to be patient, caring and understanding and are called upon to act as a role model.

Cost in US$: USD 1,355.00 for 2 weeks, US$ 245.00 for every week thereafter

Experience Required: no

Typical Volunteer: Volunteers are desperately needed to support staff in running the centers and to provide the children with some basic skills and companionship. As English is a national language in Kenya, English teachers are a permanent necessity and by helping in this area you can bring invaluable skills to the young people you work with.

Age Range: 17 and up

This Program is open to Worldwide Participants. This Program is also open to Families, Couples and Individuals

Participants Travel to Kenya Independently

Typically Participants Work Independently

Application Process Involves:

• Resume

Post-Program Services Include:

• Alumni Network

i-to-i Meaningful Travel's Mission Statement: i-to-i is an award-winning organization providing unique opportunities for you to travel, work and live abroad. Thousands of travelers aged 18 to 80 have joined our volunteer vacations and over 50,000 have learned to Teach English as a Foreign Language through our tailor-made TEFL courses. With over 400 projects on 4 continents, you can join the worldwide i-to-i volunteer community on an extended adventure in areas such as teaching, community development, sports coaching, conservation, building or internships in tourism, marketing, journalism, or health.

Year Founded: 1994